Winter beyond the ski slopes

Winter in Crans-Montana is not just about skiing. From nature to sport and relaxation, the resort offers a wide range of winter activities to suit all tastes in an exceptional Alpine setting.

Winter trails

For lovers of nature and snowy landscapes, Crans-Montana offers over 40 km of marked winter trails that invite you to explore the wonders of the region. From short walks in the resort to excursions further afield in the mountains, on foot or on snowshoes, there is something for all levels and tastes.

One of the most popular winter routes in the resort is the Ballesteros golf course trail, a sunny walk with easy access which offers breathtaking views of the Valais Alps. This easy loop, which is even accessible with a pushchair, passes through the family-friendly Snow Island area and runs alongside part of the Étang Long lake, one of the many picturesque lakes that can be explored on foot in Crans-Montana.

If you want to be immersed in the wilderness, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, the snowshoe route from Aminona to Aprili leads right into the heart of unspoilt nature. This loop, which alternates between forest and snowy meadows, passes by the bucolic Aprili chapel, the Cave du Sex and its sunny terrace, and the Colombire ecomuseum, which is housed in authentic period ‘mayens’ (mountain chalets).

Those who want to go even higher can explore the Plaine Morte - Tothorn route, one of the most spectacular in the region, at an altitude of almost 3,000 metres. You can access this walk via Violettes and then the Funitel, it allows you to explore the majestic Plaine Morte glacier and its exceptional panoramic views over the Rhone valley and surrounding 4,000-metre peaks. In this lunar landscape, you might sometimes spot cross-country skiers or sled dogs - those who wish to can book a sled ride with a local musher for an unforgettable adventure.

And for an experience that’s even more original, it’s also possible to go on a winter walk with yaks. The route, between Chermignon d'en Haut and Lake Miriouges, follows peaceful trails to explore the region at the leisurely pace of these mountain animals. Make the experience last even longerand stay for a fondue served in a cellar, and enjoy a convivial and gourmet moment together.

The Lantern Path

As night falls, another trail comes to life in Crans-Montana: the Lantern Path. Every winter, just a stone's throw from the resort centre, over 160 lanterns illuminate a 2 km trail, guiding visitors of all ages on a magical walk.

The Lantern Path is much more than just an illuminated walk though, it offers a truly immersive experience, where light installations and artistic creations, which are renewed each season, accompany walkers along the path. It is inspired by the legend of the Shepherd and the Bella Lui Star, which recounts the story of a shepherd lost in a storm who was guided to his mountain refuge by a light. The path passes through a hamlet of traditional mountain chalets, which evoke the mountain spirit of long ago with wooden chalets and crackling fires, it’s a friendly place to stop off for a while.

All winter long, the Lantern Path also hosts lively evening entertainment, gourmet moments and family-friendly activities in a warm and friendly atmosphere. Open between December and March, depending on snow conditions, this night trail has become one of Crans-Montana's winter highlights: a magical place for meeting up and for contemplation that is accessible to everyone.

Snow Island, the place for families

Snow Island moves into the legendary snow-covered Severiano Ballesteros golf course every winter, and it’s one of Crans-Montana's flagship leisure areas. Designed as an accessible gateway to the joys of winter sports, it features snow tubing runs, sledging areas and a beginners' area equipped with magic carpet lifts, and provides both children and adults with a gentle start to their first downhill runs. For a change of pace, there are also activities such as electric snowmobiles and airbag jumping.

Bibi’s House, located on Snow Island, completes the experience, and welcomes children all winter long for activities supervised by the Crans-Montana Tourism and Congress team: crafts, games, creative workshops and reading sessions. Bibi, the resort's famous mascot, makes regular appearances in the high season, much to the delight of our youngest visitors.

Located just a few minutes from the centre of Crans, Snow Island offers families an ideal setting to enjoy the snow without having to head up to higher altitudes. An indoor and outdoor refreshment bar also means visitors can take a break in the warmth inside, or outside in the sunshine.

The joy of ice skating at Ycoor Ice Rink

Since its renovation in 2016, Ycoor has become one of the liveliest centres of activity in Crans-Montana. Located in the heart of the resort, this complex has several complementary spaces that make it an unmissable winter destination: a vast 2,640 m² outdoor ice rink, a curling hall, a café with a terrace and a large public esplanade surrounded by shops and restaurants. Just a few steps from the Casino and Lake Grenon, it also enjoys direct access to the Signal cable car thanks to an escalator integrated into the site.

The Ycoor ice rink, one of the largest outdoor ice rinks in Switzerland, has a diverse audience: visitors, locals, local hockey teams and figure skating enthusiasts. As it is illuminated in the evening, it’s an ideal setting for enjoying the ice with family or friends. Skate hire is available on site, making it a convenient venue for all levels, from recreational skating to sports training.

Right next door, the indoor curling hall offers three rinks which are renowned for the exceptional quality of their ice, which is much appreciated by specialists. Curling is available every day in winter, whether for an introduction, a group outing or a team-building activity.

Every year, Ycoor hosts a wide range of events, making it one of the liveliest venues in Crans-Montana during the winter season. The site hosts competitions such as the Swiss Open Air Curling Championships, as well as events for the general public, such as skating galas, carnival celebrations and the popular ice discos, which take place several times every season, and attract large crowds who come to enjoy the festive atmosphere.

Relaxation and leisure in the resort

After a day in the great outdoors, Crans-Montana offers many opportunities to relax, have fun or keep active indoors. The resort's wellbeing facilities come in many forms: spas, massages, swimming pools, saunas, hammams, as well as immersive experiences such as sound baths. Several hotels and dedicated places offer comprehensive facilities where you can recharge your batteries. All of Crans-Montana's wellness areas can be found on the special page.

The resort is home to several indoor sports facilities, including the Crans-Montana Sports Center, near Lake Moubra. This multi-sport complex is one of the most comprehensive in the Swiss Alps, and offers tennis, padel, badminton, pickleball, table tennis and snooker, as well as a 13.5 metres high and 500 m² climbing wall, and a 150 m² bouldering area. There is also a fitness room, bar-restaurant and sports shop on site, which allow you to train indoors all year round.

In Lens, Alaïa Club offers a vast space - around 5,000 m² - which is dedicated to action sports. The venue brings together indoor padel courts, an outdoor skatepark, a full trampoline park, and dedicated leisure spaces, accessible to athletes of all levels. Bar areas, a shop and an arcade complete the facilities, making Alaïa Club a real hub both for thrill seekers and families.

Horse riding enthusiasts can enjoy the Equi-El stables, which offer an 800 m² indoor riding arena, which allows them to practise even in winter, and go on guided rides when conditions permit. For a completely different kind of adventure, the Paintball Centre, located on the edge of the forest near La Moubra, offers an immersive outdoor field where you can test your strategy and adrenaline.

For those looking for more urban leisure activities, Crans-Montana offers a 3D cinema, a bowling alley and a wide range of shops and restaurants in the heart of the resort. These facilities complement the leisure activities on offer, and contribute to the lively atmosphere in the centre all season long.

Crans-Montana also enjoys a variety of cultural events, with concerts, exhibitions, galleries and museums accessible all year round. The resort hosts Crans-Montana Classics, which offers classical music concerts throughout the year, including the famous New Year Gala Concert. The Fondation Opale has an art centre dedicated to contemporary Aboriginal art, and is renowned for its exhibitions and cultural events programme, while Le Grand Lens museum traces local history and the Swiss Model Railway Foundation showcases railway heritage in the region through a unique collection. As for the Colombire Ecomuseum, it offers an insight into ‘mayens’ (traditional mountain chalets) and mountain life in days gone by.